Cotter Pin Style Bail

by Judy Larson

Category: Findings
Technique(s): Butane Torch Techniques
Skill Level: Beginner

These easy to make bails can be soldered in place but could just as easily used as glue on bails on the backs of cabochons because the tails are flat. Since only 2" to 2½" of wire is used to make them, they are also very inexpensive. Compared to the price of purchased bails, they are a no-brainer. The ones shown here are short, medium, and long versions and are all made the same way.

Materials

18 Gauge Round Half Hard Argentium .940 Silver Wire

H19-18H

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
Price: $6.14
Gold Club Price: $4.61

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16 Gauge Round Half Hard Argentium .940 Silver Wire

H19-16H

Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 1FT
Price: $10.37
Gold Club Price: $7.78

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Tools

6 Step Barrel Plier - Pack of 1

G2-503

G2-503
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $18.95
Gold Club Price: $14.21

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C.H.P Milano Italian Flush Cutter, 5 1/2 Inches

PLR-487.00

PLR-487.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $16.97
Gold Club Price: $12.73

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5 1/2 Inch Nylon Flat Jaw Pliers with Replacement Jaws

G2-1

G2-1
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $9.97
Gold Club Price: $7.48

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Blazer Big Buddy Turbo Torch, Black

TRCH-8010

TRCH-8010
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $40.00
Gold Club Price: $30.00

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Fire Brick

SOL-485.00

SOL-485.00
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $15.95
Gold Club Price: $11.96

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Chasing Hammer - Flat Faced with Polished Wooden Handle - Pack of 1

G3-13

G3-13
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $11.97
Gold Club Price: $8.98

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Steel and Wood Bench Block 3x3 Inch

G17-25

G17-25
Lesson Quantity: 1.00 pieces
Purchase Quantity: 1.00 each
Price: $14.97
Gold Club Price: $11.23

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Instructions

Step 1

Read through the tutorial before starting the project. Follow all safety precautions for the space you are working in as well as all safety precautions pertaining to the tools and supplies you will be using to complete the project.

In the first photo, the Long Bail in front is made with 18 gauge wire while the Long Bail in the back of the photo is made using 16 gauge round wire. In the second photo the same bails are shown from a different angle. For size reference finished bails are set inside a 1" square in the third photo. Hint: Use square wire or two wires twisted together for a different look. Cut 16 or 18 gauge round wire 2" long for a Short Bail, 2¼" long for a Medium Bail, and 2½" long for a Long Bail.

Judy Larson's Cotter Pin Style Bail - , Findings & Components, Toggles & Clasps, Earwire & Headpin, Butane Torch, Soldering, Solder, cotter pin style bail

Step 2

Center the wire between Step 1 and 2 on the 6-step barrel pliers. Bend the wire ends around step 2 on the pliers until the ends evenly meet: second photo. Use soft jaw pliers to squish the wires together close to the step 2 barrel of the pliers jaw: third photo. Make sure the wire ends are flat, parallel to each other, and touch: fourth photo. Use a flush cutter to trim the wire ends even.

Step 3

Ball the following length of wire for each bail: 16 gauge bail-5/16" of 16 gauge wire; 18 gauge bail-1/4" 18 gauge wire.

Step 4

Place a small bit of medium paste solder or the cut end of the shaped wire. Push the ball into the solder and firmly against the cut wire ends. Heat until the solder flows up between the wires toward the loop. Keep heating a bit more until the ball and the wire ends are shiny. They will be soldered as well as slightly fused together at that point.

Step 5

Place the bail on a bench block. Hammer the ball and the lower wires until both are flat and even with each other.

Step 6

Roll the loop end of the bail around Step 3 of the 6 step barrel pliers until the loop touches the wire tails. Pickle, rinse, and tumble the bails. They are then ready to use.

Step 7

The shortest cotter pin bail is shown in use on the same assembled water cast pendant from different angles on the same pendant. Note: The pendant was to be a gift, so the back of the bail was stamped .925 to denote metal content.

Reviews

Judy Larson

My philosophy has always been "I will never live long enough to learn everything I want to learn, go everywhere I want to go and see everything I want to see!" So, what I make and how I create it is always changing and evolving. I was born shortly after WWII to parents who grew up during the Depression. They always had a "we can do it, we can make it" attitude which rubbed off on my two younger brothers and me. My brothers are amazing and can make and do ANYTHING! When I was a little girl, my mother gave me an old carved cigar box, which I cherish, filled with pop beads, wooden beads and yarn for stringing. That was the beginning of my jewelry making journey.

On a visit to the Grand Canyon when I was a young woman, I was fortunate enough to help a Native American silversmith sand cast my first silver bracelet and bezel set a large turquoise nugget on top. I was in love, hook, line and sinker! While working full time and having a family here in northern Minnesota, my artistic endeavors slowed down but never stopped. I am an artist, scrapbooker, seamstress, woodworker and jewelry artisan. Now that I am retired, I am able to indulge in all my hobbies. However, there just never seems to be enough time in the day to do it all, but I try!

I have been teaching community education beginner and intermediate jewelry making classes since my retirement. Many of my students have been bitten so hard by the jewelry making bug that they say I have turned them into monsters-they just can't get enough. Making jewelry, seeing something take shape from small bits and pieces, is so rewarding that I hope it brings out the "monster" in you, too!